How much funding can be received?

The program provides a maximum funding of $1,000,000 per organization per year for up to three years, aimed at supporting economic development projects that assist entrepreneurship in Quebec. Eligible activities include entrepreneurship awareness, advisory services, publications, training, and the development of support tools and resources for entrepreneurs.

Financing terms and conditions

This grant offers financial support through non-repayable subsidies to foster the development of entrepreneurship by assisting eligible organizations. The funding is structured to cover a portion of the expenses related to the projects.

The financial assistance is provided as a non-repayable grant.
For non-profit organizations, the grant covers up to 60% of eligible expenses.
For social economy enterprises, the grant covers up to 70% of eligible expenses.
The total government assistance cannot exceed 80% of eligible expenses.
The maximum financial assistance per organization is capped at CAD 1,000,000 annually for up to three years.

Eligible projects & activities

This grant is designed to promote entrepreneurship by supporting projects that provide direct services to entrepreneurs in Quebec. The eligible activities are diverse, focusing on education, resource development, and personalized guidance for entrepreneurs.

Awareness raising, valorization, or recognition of the entrepreneurial profession.
Consulting, coaching, or mentoring services for entrepreneurs.
Studies and publications on entrepreneurship that reflect global trends.
Training and skills development to tackle challenges such as business start-up, growth, or succession.
Creation of tools and resources, such as guides, databases, and technological platforms, to support entrepreneurial efforts.

Eligibility criteria of the PAPDE — Component 1 : Supporting the development of entrepreneurship program

Organizations seeking this grant must meet specific criteria to be deemed eligible for funding.

The applicant must be a non-profit organization (OBNL) or a social economy enterprise with a place of business in Quebec.
The organization’s mission must be to provide services to entrepreneurs in Quebec.
The organization must not be using contractors listed in the Register of Ineligible Companies for Public Contracts (RENA).
The applicant must not have violated any obligations related to previous financial aid from the Government of Quebec or Investissement Québec for at least two years.
The entity must not be a state-owned company or under government control (municipal, provincial, or federal), or majority-owned by a state-owned company.
The organization should not be in a state of bankruptcy or insolvency.
For-profit businesses with establishments in Quebec are not eligible.
The organization must adhere to ethical standards and not offer products or services that compromise the integrity or fiduciary probity of the Government of Quebec.

Who is eligible?

Non-profit organizations (OBNL) and social economy enterprises that have an establishment in Quebec are eligible to apply, provided their mission is to offer services to entrepreneurs in Quebec. Applicants must adhere to the following conditions:1. Not be or utilize subcontractors listed in the Register of Ineligible Enterprises for Public Contracts (RENA).2. Have fulfilled all their obligations related to previous financial assistance from the Quebec government or Investissement Québec for at least two years.3. Not be a state-owned enterprise or a company directly or indirectly controlled by a government (municipal, provincial, or federal), a municipal entity, or a business majority-owned by a state-owned company.4. Not be in a state of bankruptcy or insolvency.5. Not be a for-profit enterprise with an establishment in Quebec.6. Refrain from ethical misconduct or offering products or services that may undermine the integrity or question the probity of the Quebec government, even by association.

Who is not eligible

The grant program specifically excludes certain types of companies and organizations based on various criteria. These restrictions are in place to ensure that only eligible entities focused on supporting entrepreneurship benefit from the funding.

For-profit companies with establishments in Quebec.
State-owned enterprises or companies controlled directly or indirectly by government entities (municipal, provincial, or federal).
Companies listed on the Register of Enterprises Ineligible for Public Contracts (RENA).
Entities in a state of bankruptcy or insolvency.
Organizations failing to meet ethical standards or offering products/services that could harm the integrity or reputation of the Quebec government.

Eligible expenses

The grant covers specific expenses directly related to the execution and management of the project.

The portion of the salary corresponding to the time dedicated by an employee or hired resource for the project.
Professional fees.
Communication and promotion costs.
Travel and accommodation expenses related to the implementation of the project.
Rental fees for spaces or premises associated with the project.
Administrative tracking expenses up to 5% of the eligible expenditures.
The non-refundable portion of sales taxes, if applicable.

Eligible geographic areas

This grant is specifically for organizations located within the province of Quebec. It targets non-profit and social economy enterprises in this geographical region.

Organizations with an establishment in Quebec.

Eligibility criteria of the PAPDE — Component 1 : Supporting the development of entrepreneurship program

The evaluation and selection of projects for this grant are based on specific criteria to ensure alignment with the grant's objectives and the priorities of the government of Quebec.

Coherence between the mission of the organization, the program objectives, and government priorities.
Performance history of the organization in meeting set targets.
Quality of the action plan and result indicators, including coherence between planned activities, available resources, and intended targets.
Organization's capacity to successfully fulfill its mandate in terms of financial and human resources.
Relevance of the organization's contribution to the needs of Quebec's industry and its enterprises.
Quality of the documentation provided.
Adoption and implementation of eco-responsible practices (e.g., recycling, sustainable development action plan).

How to apply to the PAPDE — Component 1 : Supporting the development of entrepreneurship program

Download the form

Save the financial assistance application form to your computer.
Use Adobe Reader (version 10 or higher) to fill it out.

Preparation of documents

Develop a detailed description of the project with a financial plan.
Gather the financial statements of the organization for the last two years or forecasts if the organization is a startup.
Include the strategic planning, the annual action plan, and the latest annual activity report if available.
Attach relevant service offerings and partnerships.
Add a copy of the declaration of compliance with the Employment Equity Access Program if applicable.
Include a copy of the francization certificate if required.
Gather any other relevant documents based on the nature of the project (market study, sustainable development action plan, etc.).

Filling out the form

Fill out the financial aid application form with the required information.

Submission of the request

Email the completed and signed form with all the required documents.
Indicate "Structuring projects of organizations supporting entrepreneurship development" in the subject of the email.

Deadline

Submit all documents before March 31, 2026.

Additional information

Here are additional relevant details for this grant:

The grant application and all required documentation must be submitted via email, with specific wording in the subject line.
The grant is non-repayable, subject to specific conditions and adherence to outlined requirements.
There is a reporting requirement in which justifications for activities and financial expenditures must be submitted annually.
Assistance can cover a maximum of 70% of eligible expenses for social economy enterprises and 60% for non-profit organizations, but government aid must not exceed 80% of eligible expenses.
The maximum financial assistance available is $1,000,000 per organization annually, extendable for three years.

Contact Gouvernement du Québec

PAPDE_PAFODE@economie.gouv.qc.ca

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